Apple cider vinegar is one of those home remedies that seem to pop up as a solution to any problem. Clear skin? Apple cider vinegar. Want to lose weight? Apple cider vinegar? If you’re on the look out for a remedy that can change your beauty game, well the answer is probably the humble apple cider vinegar! When it comes to hair, most people natural thoughts wouldn’t assume anything with ‘vinegar’ in the name would benefit hair, however apple cider vinegar has many benefits for hair – in fact its one of the best products for hair! Here are the best ways using apple cider vinegar can change your hair game.
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6 Awesome Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar On Your Hair
1. Removes dandruff and relieves itchy scalp
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties; this allows it to prevent any unneeded bacterial growth on your scalp. You can even use apple cider vinegar as a household cleaner, that’s how good it is! If you suffer from dandruff or an itchy scalp, these antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties will relieve any inflammation on the scalp. Apple cider vinegar can also balance the pH of your scalp and exfoliate any dead skin, relieving and reducing any itchiness. Apple cider vinegar exfoliates through it’s natural AHA (alpha hydroxyl acid), this is a gentle exfoliator that is often better than most clarifying shampoos!
2. Encourages healthy hair growth
When it comes to hair loss, some link it to acidity of the scalp. As apple cider vinegar is able to balance pH levels, it can be used to combat acidic scalps and encourage healthy hair growth. The best pH level for your scalp tends to be between pH four and five, over use of chemical shampoos can sometimes disrupt this hair loss and leave the scalp unbalanced. If hair pH is too acidic hair can also end up feeling rough, open hair cuticles will look dull, break often and also tangle easily. You can add a shot of apple cider vinegar to your hair routine to restore pH, stimulate hair growth and even unclog pores.
3. Leaves hair shiny and protects any color
You may be wondering, how does apple cider vinegar affect my hair color? Well, we all want shiny hair, and those of us with dyed looks want to keep our color as vibrant as possible for as long as possible. Instead of trying and testing every product on the market, simple use some apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar smooths and seals the hair cuticles, leaving them shut and giving a lustrous look for a good shine. There are enzymes in the fermented apple that are able to close these cuticles, the cuticles lock in vital proteins, moisture and fats to keep hair healthy. If you frequently use the apple cider vinegar your hair’s shine will return and color will also be sealed in.
4. Adds volume and clarifies hair
If you notice that your hair can sometimes look a bit limp and flat, you may want to try using apple cider vinegar. Hair can look flatter, especially if it’s second-day hair. This is because as the grease and natural oils build up, they can end up weighing your hair down and decreasing the volume. Using apple cider vinegar will remove the grease and excess oils, giving the scalp a deep clean. This will remove the weight from your hair and allow a boost in volume.
5. How to rinse hair with apple cider vinegar
When using apple cider vinegar in your hair care routine, never go dumping it straight from the bottle onto your scalp – this can cause irritation. They key to safe and beneficial usage is to dilute the vinegar with water. A general rule is one part apple cider vinegar and five parts water, more for longer hair and less for shorter hair.
After completing your usual shampoo routine, tip your head back and slowly pour the diluted apple cider vinegar over your scalp – remember to keep eyes and mouth closed! Massage the solution through your roots as you pour it. Let the hair sit for around thirty seconds and then rinse it our and condition the hair after for a soft finish.
It’s recommended to wash your hair with apple cider vinegar once a week, anymore may start to cause damage to your hair as in large amount it’ll be too strong. If you don’t initially notice any difference after a few washes, you can slowly up the contents of apple cider vinegar – however start small and slowly work up to avoid damaging your hair. This works the other way too, if you feel the solution was too strong for your hair, add less in next time for a softer rinse.
6. Apple cider vinegar hair spray
If you’re interested in apple cider vinegar for it’s anti-dandruff qualities, you can create your own DIY spray mix. Get a spray bottle and mix a quarter of a cup of hot water, a quarter of apple cider vinegar, 6 drops of tea tree oil (a natural antibacterial) and 5 crushed/powdered aspirin tablets (a source of salicylic acid – reduces flakes and inflammation). Once a week spray this on your dry scalp and leave in for 20 minutes, then shower and condition as normal to remove the spray.
New hair, who this?
Hopefully using apple cider vinegar will give your hair a new and healthier look. From removing dandruff to keeping your color popping, this humble ingredient is often overlooked when it comes to hair routines. Test it out in your hair routine and see how it works for you!